Special Sections : West Fire

By Annette Kirby

WEST FIRE RELIEF MUSIC FESTIVAL

"The second 'hottest' event of the season!" ~ Bert Bockover, An Old West Ranch landowner

On August 28, 2010 Philip Marx Central Park in downtown Tehachapi will explode with the sound of music and neighbors getting together to help neighbors! The West Fire Relief Music Festival was born out the tragic fire that swept through the Old West Ranch area of Tehachapi on July 27, 2010 destroying twenty three homes and numerous outbuildings, and vehicles. Tehachapi being the wonderful community that it is, jumped into action immediately. The biggest question on everyone's mind was, "How can we help?", phone calls, e-mails, and a facebook page helped spread information and bring people together for a common cause. Orion Sanders jumped in with both feet and put together a public meeting that brought the community vital information from the Kern County Fire Dept., Emergency Services Unit, Tehachapi City government, Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross- Kern Chapter. Congressman Kevin McCarthy was also in attendance and pledged the first $1000 to the West Fire Relief Fund. All monetary donations are being received by Tehachapi's local Salvation Army and the Red Cross with the guarantee that 100% of all donations will be used for the West Fire victims.

During that meeting Sanders along with an Old West Ranch landowner, Bert Bockover informed the public that both had been contacted by musician friends and bands that they would be happy to perform at a music benefit should one arise. And arise it did! "There's going to be something for everyone," said Sanders "sixteen bands on two stages. It's going to be great!" As of now the line-up looks likes this: Gary Mazzola - Folk, Tony Vice - Cowboy Country, Max Valentino & Lauren Alexander - American Jazz, Pat Strong Trio - Jazz & Blues, Stanley Tucker - Classic Rock, David Heavener Band - Classic Rock, By His Hand - New Age Christian Rock, Lil' Mike and the Blues Hammers -Blues, Bert & Friends - Classic Blues, Gravel Road Band - Country, Highline - Classic Rock, Blue Mustard -Blues, and a few more waiting for confirmation.

During the festival vendors will be out selling their wares and services to raise money for the fire victims, so far those that have signed up are: Moose Lodge 1678, the Women of the Moose 1885, Calvary Chapel, Dr. Darren Robison, Tracy Battistoni, Tehachapi Community Theatre, the Lions Club, Dominos Pizza, Civil Air Patrol, and Seaton's Brew among others. There will also be a huge raffle hosted by the Women of the Moose, Diane Kunick is in charge of gathering prizes from the community. So come on down for a full day of music food and fun for the whole family to raise the much needed funds for these families and individuals in need!